With Murderous Intent by Maggi Andersen - Review Tour and Giveaway

Full length, romantic suspense

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions.

Maggi will be awarding a backlist eBook to one randomly drawn commenter and a $30 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win an awesome prize!



To escape a deadly stalker, Caitlin Fitzgerald flees her home in Ireland and takes a governess job in the top end of Australia. In her chosen safe haven, she has poisonous snakes, spiders, and crocodiles to contend with. And the very handsome and moody station owner, Jake Monterey, to keep her awake at night. But not only is Caitlin at risk of losing her heart to Jake and his two adorable children, the danger she thought she’d left behind has found her again. Has she unwittingly placed the lives of those she loves in jeopardy?



I went into this book expecting edge of your seat excitement. I wish I hadn’t… because this isn’t that kind of book, and I think I might have enjoyed it more without those preconceived notions so I'd have enjoyed what the book was, instead of what it wasn't.  Even so, I never thought about stopping reading it ... I wanted to make sure Caitlin was okay and poor Jake was redeemed.

The book is really about the characters and they are good ones. Caitlin, a strong woman who leaves behind everything she knows to travel to and new job in a new country. Two children who’ve lost their mother in a tragic accident and whose father is remote and unavailable. Jake, the hero, who is still trying to get past the loss of his wife.

Caitlin is strong and honest. I liked her. I wasn’t overly fond of Jake at first, but I don’t expect we were meant to. He’s abrupt, callous and emotionally distant. But Caitlin slowly changes him—not because she thinks they’re going to be together (he has a girlfriend), but for the childrens’ sake.  The build up to their relationship's culmination is believeable and understandable.  Caitlin doesn't want to be attracted, and neither does Jake, but there is such a feeling of mutual admiration and, eventually, sexual attraction, that they can't help the slow slide into love.

The author has a good voice and a lot of skill with writing both characters and setting.  I really cared about our protagonists and hoped they'd be safe and happy, and I enjoyed the foray into Australia (and Jake's home, which sounded just lovely).  I like the writer's style and am certainly planning on reading some of her other releases because of it.

I do wish there had been more of a feeling of peril throughout, but we really don’t get that until the end. Still, the romance was sweet and the clear, vivid descriptions of Australia made this a good read.

4 Flowers -- This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends



After they’d put the children to bed and were gathering up their toys, Jake said, “You know that pile of wood and bricks out in the yard?”

She nodded. Covered in creeper, they had obviously been there a long time.

“I had planned to build the kids a playroom on the cooler side of the house. I think I’ll make a start on the foundations tomorrow.”

“Perhaps I can help load the bricks into the wheelbarrow?”

“A brickie’s laborer?” Jake laughed. “Every building site should have one like you.”

She grinned at him. “You think I can’t do heavy lifting?”

He grinned back. “You’ll get blisters, and you’ll quit when you break a nail.”

“Oh!” She punched him on the arm and hurt her knuckles on his rock hard muscle. “Just because I don’t have muscles on my muscles, like you.”

He raised a brow. “I’m not complaining about the way you’re put together.”

There was a loaded pause.

“I’ll be up and ready when you are,” she said to fill it.

He shook his head and chuckled. “You think?”

The next morning she rose to the sound of hammering. She looked out at Jake working, stripped to the waist. For a moment, she drank in the grace and beauty of the man. The rippling muscles on his chest and back, shiny with sweat. His trim waist and long, lean legs in his cut-off jeans. His dark head as he leaned forward with the hammer, pounding away with rhythmic strokes. There was something primal about it, which made her draw a very deep breath. But he wasn’t building it for her.

Maggi Andersen and her lawyer husband are empty nesters, living in the countryside outside Sydney with their cat and the demanding wildlife. Parrots demand seed, possums fruit, ducks swim in the stream at the bottom of the garden, and the neighbors chickens roam their yard providing wonderful eggs. She began writing adventure stories at age eight. Three children, a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts in Creative Writing degree later, her novels are still filled with adventure and suspense, but are also passionate romances. Georgette Heyer among others, brought inspiration to her seductive Regencies and she also writes darker, Victorian novels, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult.

She supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.

Buy links: Author website: http://www.maggiandersenauthor.com
Blog: http://www.maggiandersen.blogspot.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maggiandersen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maggi-Andersen-Author/372854959805
Publisher website: Black Opal Books http://bookstore.blackopalbooks.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=58

The Difference a Day Makes by Barbara Longley - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions to showcase her contemporary romance, "The Difference a Day Makes". Barbara will be awarding $10 Amazon GCs to two randomly drawn commenters during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Ryan Malloy has lost it all. After his fiancée dies in a tragic accident, he enlists in the army, only to lose his best friend in a roadside bombing. Wracked with guilt and grief, Ryan finds life unbearable—until a job offer from his former commander gives him a glimmer of hope. And in the tiny town of Perfect, Indiana, the man who thought he had nothing left to live for meets the only woman who can tempt him into risking his battered heart one last time...

Paige Langford has it all: wealth, beauty, and ambition. But when her boyfriend’s betrayal leads to the loss of her job and her reputation, she retreats to her brother’s rural Indiana home to regroup. There she meets Ryan Malloy, a gruff, hard-drinking loner whose surly temper can’t hide the haunted misery in his eyes. He is everything Paige never wanted, yet he may be exactly what she needs—if only they can overcome their personal demons to forge a love strong enough to save them both.

“Hi, honey. I’m home.” Ryan’s voice reverberated through the stillness, bounced off the bare walls, and came back to mock him. He set his lunchbox on the kitchen counter and leaned over to retrieve his supper from under the sink—a brand-new bottle of Johnnie Walker Red.

Gripping the bottle by the neck, he moved to the living room and set it on the coffee table next to his vintage .357 revolver, the letter he’d written to his folks, and the picture of his platoon, Task Force Iron, First Armored Division, Fourth Brigade. One more item, and he could begin his nightly ritual. He retrieved the snapshot of Theresa from his billfold, laid it down, and took his place on the couch.

Letter. Pictures. Gun. Bottle.

Theresa. Reaching out, he traced the laminated photo with his finger. His throat tightened. God, he missed her. How different his life would be if he hadn’t insisted they go riding that morning five years ago. He’d be coming home every evening from some swank advertising agency job. They’d have a couple of kids by now. A family. His family. He’d be surrounded by love instead of this soul-sucking loneliness.

Ah, but he wasn’t entirely alone, not if the hollow-eyed ghosts plaguing him counted. He closed his eyes, and images from the suicide bombing near Mosul played across his shattered mind.

As a child, Barbara Longley moved frequently, learning early on how to entertain herself with stories. Adulthood didn’t tame her peripatetic ways: she has lived on an Appalachian commune, taught on an Indian reservation, and traveled the country from coast to coast. After having children of her own, she decided to try staying put, choosing Minnesota as her home. By day, she puts her master’s degree in special education to use teaching elementary school. By night, she explores all things mythical, paranormal, and newsworthy, channeling what she learns into her writing.

http://www.barbaralongley.com

Halo of the Damned by Dina Rae - Review tour and giveaway

(Full length paranormal horror)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions.

Dina is awarding one random commenter a new peacock jeweled necklace, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win an awesome prize!



A chain of advertising agencies, a new breed of humans, and a fallen angel to worship...

Andel Talistokov is known for his slick advertising agencies across the globe. He is a fallen angel that uses advertising as a weapon for Satan's work. His growing power emboldens him to break several of Hell's Commandments. Furious with his arrogance, Satan commands him to return to Hell after finding his own replacement. Yezidism, an ancient angel worshiping religion, quietly expands throughout the West. Armaros appears as a guest of honor during their ceremonies. He mates with young women to produce nephilim, a mixed race of humans and angels. They are alone and unprepared for their supernatural power. Joanna Easterhouse, a recovering drug addict, steps out of prison shortly after her mother's fatal accident. She and her sister, Kim, unravel their mother's secretive past. Intrigued, they learn their bloodline is part of a celestial legacy. Both worlds collide. Halo of the Damned is a horrifying tale that weaves research together with suspenseful twists and turns.




Dina Rae takes the reader into a dark corner of the supernatural world-- the world of demons and nephilim. Andel Talistokov, one of the fallen angels who were thrown out of heaven when Satan rebelled against God, is taking a page out of Satan's book and wants to be worshipped instead of God ... or Satan. Joanna Easterhouse and her family discover they come from a long line of celestial beings who stand against the evil that Andel embodies.

The actions in this book start off dark and graphic--Andel kills his assistant, then partially devours her, and then we discover she was his daughter. And now we are completely aware at this point that his evil knows no bounds.

Dina Rae has a vast imagination and a way with words.  Her descriptions are clear and vivid (sometimes almost too much so).  If you have a weak stomach, this is definitely not the book for you. However, if you like a fast moving story --one that will keep you on the edge of your seat-- and enjoy being scared, give Halo of the Damned a try. One word of advice, however: don't read it late at night.

3.5 Flowers - This was a good book. I liked it.

The next day, Kim packed up her own drawing of her mother’s carved wall, the scroll, and the piece of metal. Her excitement put her in a giddy mood. Once she was parked and in front of Loyola’s entrance, Sandra met her in the foyer and escorted her back to the Arts and Science College. Sandra took Kim to their lounge and introduced her to six other professors who were equally interested in seeing her finds. All of them specialized in fields that had to do with the ancient world.

Kim began with unveiling her own copy of the symbols she drew from her mother’s basement. “I appreciate all of your attention. Can anyone tell me what this is, and even possibly what it means? Each symbol was copied down in the order it was etched into the wall,” Kim said.

One professor immediately took the paper and made a copy. This made Kim uncomfortable. He asked, “Where did you find this?”

“Again, none of that matters,” Kim defensively repeated. Her daughter’s omen chimed throughout her brain. The man intuitively put up her defenses.

“Doctor Nrogbi’s English is somewhat limited. He’s not trying to be pushy or rude,” Sandra explained.

“This is Angelic script, also known as Adonite language, alphabet of the Ark, or even Enochian. It’s the first written language of this world. Angels used it to communicate with God. The first humans also used it before the Fall,” Doctor Nrogbi lectured.

“Before what fall?” Kim asked, very confused. How could Maria have known all of this?

“Before Adam and Eve sinned. Before they were kicked out of Eden. It pre-dates Hebrew, Sanskrit, Aramaic, and other ancient languages. It’s very sophisticated and difficult to translate. These symbols look like a key, invocation, or lyric. Let me get something off my bookshelf.”

While the doctor frantically flipped through several of his books, other professors rattled off bits and pieces of their own views concerning the script. Kim learned that Enoch didn’t name the language, but his name was chosen for it thousands of years later because of his communications inside of Heaven.

The professors spoke of John Dee, a famous mathematician, cartographer, and seer of Queen Elizabeth I. He had a revelation about angelic script and later recorded it. Sir Edward Kelley, his colleague, also witnessed the revelation and recorded additional symbols called Keys or Calls. Their legitimacy had been debated for centuries.

“Ah, I found it. What you have here is a Key. Angel script is read left to right. These symbols together are sort of like a prayer. A rough translation in English means, ‘Forever fallen is forever damned, until one can unlock from within.’ I wish I knew where you found this. The context would help cypher the meaning,” Doctor Nrogbi stated.

“Anyone have an inkling to what the passage could mean?” Kim asked.

“I can only guess that fallen is either man, as in Adam…or possibly angels, as in the Fallen that waged war with Satan against God. He and all his angels were cast down and forever damned. However, there is a loophole suggested-‘unlock from within.’ Don’t know, just a guess,” answered Doctor Barry Lowenstein, an ancient comparative literature professor.

“Kim, you said you had a few more items to show us. Can we see? The anticipation is gnawing away at all of us!” Sandra exclaimed.

“Okay, I have a scroll that might be of some interest,” Kim answered as she gingerly took it out of her purse and laid it down on a long table. All the professors’ jaws dropped in astonishment. They all hovered over the scroll, whispering theories of what it might be. Doctor Nrogbi quickly grabbed his cell phone and began taking photos. The rest of the professors followed suit.

“Tanned animal hide, probably lamb or ram, of the highest quality for ancient times. This must be dated as far back as 500 B.C., maybe even a 1000 B.C. We need to carbon-date this. It’s in perfect condition. What was this stored in?” Doctor Lowenstein questioned.

“It came in a box. I didn’t bring it with me,” Kim replied, feeling suffocated and wanting to leave.

“We could use a combination of steam and chemicals to remove the seal so that it doesn’t break. That way we could read the scroll. Can you leave this with Sandra for the next couple of days?” asked Doctor Litner, an art history professor and expert in document preservation.

Can you bring in the box? Can you take us to where this was found? Can you leave this for display? Can we take this to the Smithsonian? Can you, Can you, Can you...Kim’s head was about to explode. She wasn’t about to disclose the ornate metal she still had in her purse.

“I’ll call Sandra and we can do this another time. Thank you all for your help,” Kim abruptly announced. She packed up her things and rushed out of the university. Not paying attention, she almost got hit by a car. Once in her Lincoln Navigator, she calmed down. Rush hour traffic on the Eisenhower Expressway gave her time to process.

Dina Rae is a new author here to stay. As a teacher, she brings an academic element to her work. Her three novels, Halo of the Damned, The Last Degree, and Bad Juju weave research and suspense throughout the plots. Her short story, Be Paranoid Be Prepared, is a prequel of sorts to The Last Degree, focusing on the James Martin character. In the spring of 2013, her latest novel, Halo of the Nephilim, will be released. Dina also freelances for various entertainment blogs.

Dina lives with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs outside of Chicago. She is a Christian, an avid tennis player, movie buff, and self-proclaimed expert on several conspiracy theories. She has been interviewed numerous times in e-zines, websites, blogs, newspapers, and radio programs. When she is not writing she is reading novels from her favorite authors Dan Brown, Anne Rice, Stephen King, Brad Thor, George R.R. Martin, and Preston & Childs.

http://dinarae.co
www.dinaraeswritestuff.blogspot.com
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dinaraebooks/
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/DinaRaeBooks
@haloofthedamned
Eternalpress.biz

The Odd Job Squad by Karl Fields - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway

Today author Karl Fields visits on his tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the middle grade novel, "The Odd Job Squad".

One commenter from each stop will win a box of "Pinks," which are pink fortune cookies that Ander, the main character has a fondness for. One $25 Amazon gift card given to one random commenter at the end of the tour, so comment today AND follow his tour! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning.  Click the above banner for a list of his tour stops.

Karl was brave enough to share five things we might not have ever guessed about him!

1. I’m an army brat and by the seventh grade, I’d attended six different schools in three different countries – the United States, Okinawa and Germany, where I studied the local language for almost three years. Sadly, I’ve forgotten almost all my German except for the ability to count to twelve, say “I love you” and a few assorted bad words.

2. I don’t know how it started but I have a fascination with USB drives. Not your run-of-the-mill kind from Staples or Office Depot; there has to be something unique, or just weird, about them. I began collecting them several years ago and have about 20 at this point. The newest additions to my collection are one shaped like a Taco Bell hot sauce packet and another shaped like Gibson Les Paul guitar.

3. When I lived in Los Angeles, I was in a Blockbuster video store and, across the way, saw this woman I recognized. It was none other than Jamie Lee Curtis. I approached her, said I was having trouble picking out a movie and asked whether she’d recommend “Trading Places” or “True Lies.” She laughed and said, “Rent ‘True Lies.’”

4. Also during my time in Hollywood, I was once an extra on the sitcom “Everybody Loves Raymond.” On an episode entitled “The Checkbook” (season 2, episode 16) I play a bank teller. Most of the time, extras are hard to pick out, but I got some good screen time because of my close proximity to Patricia Heaton. For a few years after that, I could always tell when that episode aired because someone I knew would inevitably come up to me and say, “I saw you on ‘Raymond!’”

5. You know how people say, “I wish I had a nickel for (fill in the blank)”? At 6’5”, I’m quite tall and people love to ask me if I play basketball. A few years back, I decided to set aside a nickel every time I got asked that question to see how much money I’d have at the end of the year. It started out great, but petered out after about four months and I only wound up with $1.15.

Thirteen-year-old Ander Cartwright is an expert on two subjects: fortune cookies and payback. Especially payback.

When he’s not struggling with algebra, Ander is the leader of an anonymous revenge club that operates within the walls of Marina Middle School. Got a beef with a classmate? Shoot Ander’s crew an email and, if your case if legit, they’ll deliver some retribution on your behalf.

It’s not easy to right wrongs and stay under the radar at the same time. That’s why Ander developed three simple rules designed to keep him and his friends from blowing their cover.

But when Ander spots the opportunity to settle an old score of his own, he ignores his own rules, setting off a chain of events that threatens to blow his cover, and it’ll take all the butt-kicking, detention-dodging skill he can muster to keep a lid on his secret.

I put up my hand, cutting off his chatter. Seth had been rubbing his thumbs against the sides of his index fingers when he passed me. Most people wouldn’t have even picked up on such a little thing, but I’d seen it before. A year ago, at the fall dance. A bunch of us guys were standing around the punch bowl when Seth started doing the thing with his thumbs…right before he made the long walk across the gym to ask Suzanne Reynolds to dance.

Uh oh.

I spun and saw Seth, hands stuffed in his pockets, making a stealth approach toward Shooter. Just as she finished with her laces and got to her feet, he slid up next to her. While I couldn’t hear the conversation, I guessed it had nothing to do with layups or three-point shots. It was easy to see that Shooter wished she were somewhere else, far away from Seth. So, hurrying back down the hall, I did the only thing I could think of.

“There you are. I’ve been looking all over for you.” I stepped between them and gently locked fingers with Shooter. I turned to Seth, lifting mine and Shooter’s hands just a little, hoping we looked like a couple. “See ya.” Christian fell in next to us as we walked down the hall.

I expected something different – maybe because of all the basketball she played – but Shooter’s hand was soft. Really soft.

The three of us were silent until we turned the corner near the front of the building. That’s when Shooter said, “Thanks, Ander. You can let go of my hand now.”

Karl Fields is a writer of fiction for teens and young adults. His other interests include jazz, golf and collecting flash drives, the more unusual the better. He was an army brat and by the seventh grade, he had attended six different schools on three continents. His first book, The Odd Job Squad, is about the exploits of three eighth graders who operate an anonymous revenge club at their school. He recommends that you not attempt the stunts portrayed in this book. His second, Instant Preplay, is about a boy who discovers that his DVR records shows before they air. He recommends that you get one of those if you can.

www.karlfields.com
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/The-Odd-Job-Squad-ebook/dp/B00560R9BC
BN - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-odd-job-squad-karl-fields/1103800835?ean=9781463537890
Kobo - http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/The-Odd-Job-Squad/book-qHs3VJyBxEmMs0UaGNlx8g/page1.html?s=uUC_07B_Hk-5_N1qzhxLUA&r=1

Fate by Tallulah Grace - Virtual book Tour and giveaway

This post is part of a Virtual Book Tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Tallulah will be awarding winner's choice of a backlist eBook to a randomly drawn commenter at every stop. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

 

Death stalks Kris in dreams and in reality. The target of a cunning serial killer, Kris must defend her life and her love. Visions prepare her for what’s coming, but is knowledge enough to change the future? Or will demented mania claim victory over fated love?

The good things in life are coming together for Kristina Collins. She’s found her ideal home, her career is on track for mega success and the man of her dreams has finally come back into her life.

In Fate, the first installment of the Timeless Trilogy, Kris Collins discovers the benefits and risks of having precognitive visions while being stalked by a serial killer. Her friends can’t help her, the FBI can’t save her; she must save herself.

The Timeless Trilogy heroines, Kristina, Veronica and Cassandra, each deal with paranormal abilities as they discover and rediscover eternal love.

Excerpt

The edge of the blade felt like ice against her skin. One breath too deep, one movement—ever so slight—would give the knife a taste of her blood. It’s a part of the nightmare, she thought, even as she felt the breath of her attacker lightly touch her face.

The nightmares that had been plaguing her for weeks warned of this moment. Images, too terrifying to be real, flashed quickly across her mind’s eye in an instant replay of her recent night terrors. Running down a long, empty hallway, filled with doorways on either side, chased by some unknown monster that knew her deepest fears. Running towards a movie, scrolling incessantly with images of those she loved most trapped in a fiery hell. Sepia-toned faces, twisted in pain, were a stark contrast to the blue, red and yellow of the flames engulfing them. The echoes of their screams filled the dark, never-ending hallway. She couldn’t look away and she couldn’t stop running; her only escape was straight ahead, towards the horror show.

So far, the nightmares ended with her sitting straight up in bed, breathing hard in a cold sweat. He hadn’t caught her yet.

The all too real feeling of cold steel pressed against her neck gave the nightmare an alternate ending. Kris tried to control her breathing so her attacker would think she slept. Her mind raced as she tried to think of a way to reach the loaded SIG waiting beneath the extra pillow beside her. She didn’t always keep a gun so handy, but recent events, including the dreams, made it a necessity.

“Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.” The familiar voice spoke the words softly in her ear.


About the Author:

Tallulah Grace is an aficionado of anything paranormal, loves to read a good thriller and creates characters that become friends. Tallulah was born and raised in a small southern town located in the foothills of the vibrant Blue Ridge Mountains. When she's not developing characters and weaving stories, Tallulah enjoys antiquing and bead-weaving.

Find the author online:

Website
Blog
Twitter
Facebook
Amazon Author Page

Buy the book at:

Amazon
BN.com
ITunes
Smashwords
Kobo     .

Ten Yen True by Christina St. Clair and Amanda Armstrong - Virtual tour and giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Christina and Amanda will be awarding an 8 x 8 inch framed tile of Japanese Gardens in Seattle Washington to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (Click to see picture of tile) (US ONLY)

When four ten yen coins are mysteriously received, who knows where the journey will lead and what miracles may occur along the way.For many years, the monk sat beside the Ajiike pond as he did today in the early morning, breathing in the peaceful settings of the Pure Land gardens........He was angry at the awful atrocities so recently bestowed upon his people....

Caitlin was ambitious to the point of ruthlessness.........

JJ was counting on getting a job at Johns Hopkins......he had to get out of Ashland KY and his fathers house before he blew his stack......

Little Tommy....He glanced again at the coin beside his hospital bed and felt suddenly peaceful.....Like maybe everything would be ok.......

Paul Somerville....Tommys father, former Hollywood actor, wannabe political star.......

Four people....four ten yen coins....

and a miracle.........?

Enjoy an excerpt:

Surely Caitlin Morgan's day couldn't get any worse? When she stepped out of the offices of Gorman Hardy Investment Bank on Moorgate, the heavens opened and the rain poured down. Cursing wearily under her breath, Caitlin delved in her new Birkin bag for her umbrella; pulling out keys, purse, make up and tissues (thankfully un-used), but to her dismay, no umbrella.

"Blast," she muttered, beginning to run to the empty bus shelter just outside her office building. Unlike her, most people had, at ten pm on a Friday night, gone home to enjoy the weekend. Or else they were crammed into the many bars around the city of London, enjoying a well-earned drink at the end of a tough working week.

Not me though, she mused, opening her purse to look for change for the bus. No, she would be heading straight home with just the prospect of a hot bath and a good book as her only bed companion. Not that she minded. She actually had no time for any kind of socializing anyway, and besides, why would she want to spend time with work colleagues on a Friday evening? Didn't she see enough of those idiots during the week?



  ABOUT AMANDA ARMSTRONG As author of Rose, this is my second published novel.

They say everybody has at least one book in them. I have thousands, just screaming to get out!

A former banker turned wife and mother, I've been given the privilege to do just that and I am having so much fun.

Check out my author page on Amazon, read my blogs and book excerpts at www.amandaarmstrong1974.co.uk or tweet me @mandymia


ABOUT CHRISTINA ST. CLAIR Award winning author, former shop-girl, chemist, and pastor, is currently a spiritual director, Reiki Master (don't read too much into the title master!), wife, animal lover, and writer.

She says, "Boring life? Let's not do duty. Let's do awe! Take a look at your own complexity? You might be amazed. Life leads us into so many interesting and sometimes difficult crossroads where we get to choose what now, what next? As a student of mysticism and spirituality in all its incarnations both religious, secular, and new age, I want to understand what life is about, what is truth? I am still seeking, but I am offering to those who are interested my insights weaved throughout my essays and stories. I hope my writings might add to your already surprising lives."

www.christinastclair.com  www.christinastclair.com/blog

e-mail: christinastclair55@yahoo.com

Jessie's War by Meggan Connors - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're talking to Meggan Connors on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the Civil War steampunk romance, "Jessie's War".

Meggan will be awarding a silver pocket watch pendant and a cameo choker, and a signed paperback copy of The Marker, her historical romance to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. (US/CANADA ONLY)

Thanks for stopping by and visiting, Meggan!

It’s Time for Fun Facts with Meggan Connors First, thank you for having me here at It’s Raining Books. Today, I’m talking about fun facts about me. Let’s get this party started, shall we?

1. I have a talent for making fun of myself.

I’m serious on this front. I could make a career out of making fun of myself, and the unexpected, quirky, and just plain weird things that happen to me. In fact, I am about to demonstrate this mad skill of mine in this blog.

2. I am afraid of cows.

It sounds crazy. The husband tells me they’re big and slow and probably not that smart.

But… they’re big. And they stampede (hey, I’ve watched Westerns on TV). And…and…Pamplona? I know, that’s bulls, but still. Bovines.

When I was much younger, a friend of mine convinced me I needed to go cow tipping. Talk about my Heart of Darkness. Oh, the horror! I got within fifteen feet of a calf, screamed, and was on the other side of the fence before my friend could even blink. To this day, I don’t know if one can even tip a cow. All I know is that I have no plans on trying.

3. I’m not fond of clowns, either.

When the husband and I first got together, he has this heinous, atrocious collection of Red Skelton pictures. OMG, all those creepy clowns. Needless to say, the pictures found their way to his parents’ house, where they live to this day.

This loathing of clowns runs very deep, and probably stems from watching Killer Clowns from Outer Space one too many times. In fact, here’s a sample conversation between my children and me:

Chewey, age 5. “Mommy, chase me.”

Me: “Honey, I’m wearing heels. I can’t chase you.”

Monk, age 8: “Chewey, you know Mom doesn’t run unless she’s being chased by clowns.” Then she laughed like a maniac.

This is mostly true. I’ll run if I have an escaping preschooler, I have to, or if I’m being chased by clowns. I suspect this is also true if I’m being chased by cows.

In all honesty, I’d rather not test this theory.

4. If there is the remotest possibility that I could be hit in the face by a ball, it will happen. And not in a good way.

When I let out my dirty little secret—that balls tend to hit me in the face—it invariably gets a chuckle. No, I don’t mean it in that way. I mean, I’ve been hit in the face with a basketball, a baseball, and a football, and all either while I’m behind a fence, or when I’m at a collegiate sporting event. Either way, it’s wrong, man. Simply wrong.

5. And, last but not least, I am the queen of wardrobe malfunctions.

While I have many stories about my clothes randomly falling off, I will share this gem:

I was on the shuttle up at the university. The thing was packed with football players and cheerleaders… and me (obviously, neither of those). I was wearing a cute skirt, boots, and a silk shirt. When I went to stand up to get off the shuttle, I stood on my skirt.

It fell off.

I don’t mean that it slid down. I mean, it fell off. The thing hit the ground and got tangled in my boots. I wrestled with that thing like it was a freaking anaconda. Yes, wearing my giant granny panties. In front of the football team.

The shuttle was silent. I’m sure I could have heard crickets chirping, if I hadn’t been cursing under my breath and begging God to let me put my clothes back on.

Eventually, I got my clothes back on, and, with my head held high, I got off that very silent shuttle.

As I walked into my building, I paused.

They weren’t silent anymore. They were laughing. No, more than laughing. They were guffawing, cackling and howling with laughter. I could still hear them laughing as the shuttle stopped at the next stop.

As for me, what did I do with my most embarrassing moment?

I laughed. I laughed until I cried, and then I told the first person I saw.

We’re friends to this day.

I wanted to thank the good people at It’s Raining Books for hosting me today. I had fun!

She's about to become a pawn in a brutal game between nations...

The American Civil War has raged for more than ten years. The outcast daughter of a famous inventor, Jessica White has struggled to salvage what little remains of her life. Then, one cold winter night, the lover she'd given up for dead returns, claiming the Union Army bought the plans for her father's last invention. But he's not the only one who lays claim to the device, for the Confederacy wants the invention as well. Both sides will kill to have it.

...And only he can save her.

As an agent for the Union Army, Luke Bradshaw is a man who will use whomever and whatever is at his disposal in order to complete his mission. An attack by Confederate soldiers ensures that Jessie will turn to him for help, but Luke can't help but wonder about the secrets she keeps--and if those secrets will ultimately prove fatal.

Someone knocked, and Muha’s tentative barking turned hysterical.

Taking her revolving shotgun back down, she crept to the lever that would pull down the shutters and arm the Gatling gun mounted to the rooftop.

“Go home, sheriff. Not talking to you today.”

“It’s not the sheriff.”

Her hand froze and the shotgun clattered to the floor. Gooseflesh dotted her arms and her pulse quickened, a frantic rat-a-tat-tat like a hail of bullets, as her body recognized what her logical mind denied.

The room went quiet. Muha sat with her ears pricked up, her tail thumping cautiously against the worn pine floor. The wolf recognized the gravelly voice, too.

The knock became more insistent, sharper. “Please open the door, Jessie.”

It was a dead man’s voice.

She struggled to fill her lungs with air as the pine door shook beneath her visitor’s heavy fists. Those hands would be big and strong and ridged with calluses. Her heart twisted painfully in her chest, and she tried not to think about them. Or their owner.

She’d gotten over his loss just like she’d gotten over all the others.

With trembling hands, Jessie picked up her shotgun and rested it against the wall. Her legs leaden, she walked to the door and put her hand on the knob, but hesitated.

She’d dreamed of this moment for years, of this man walking back into her life.

Now she couldn’t bring herself to let him in.

“Please. It’s freezing out here.”

She turned the knob, and Luke Bradshaw stood in her doorway, the brim of his hat heavy with snow, and small flakes clung to the dark lashes fringing his silver eyes.

He was as tall as she remembered, towering over her as he stood on her sagging front porch, bringing with him the scent of smoke and sulfur and snow. A black slouch hat covered his head and rested low over his eyes, and a black duster swirled around his bright-spurred boots. The silver six-shooter on his left hip glittered in the low light, and a large, black satchel was strapped to his broad back.

Muha pushed her head past the door.

Luke gave her a lopsided smile and took off his hat. “Hi, Jess.” A scar she didn’t remember ran through his right eyebrow, and another creased his chin. He held his hand out to Muha and scratched behind her grizzled ears, the way he always used to greet her. He handed her a piece of jerky, and despite the long years, a friendship was immediately rekindled. “There’s a girl.”

“Luke.” Jessie reached out to touch his cheek. The stubble of his unshaven jaw was rough beneath her palm, and his skin was cold. Her fingers trembled as she traced his lips, his breath warm against them.

He kissed her fingertips.

Dead men didn’t breathe or kiss a girl’s fingers. Dead men didn’t leave as boys and come back as men. Dead men didn’t come home with new scars or shiver with cold.

“You’re alive,” she whispered.

“Yep.”

His sweet, boyish smile melted her heart, and something inside her, denied for far too long, splintered and howled in despair.

She slapped him.

The crack echoed in the empty, snow-lit darkness behind him. Jessie stepped back to slam the door on this would-be ghost who had the gall to walk back into her life and act as if he’d never left.

Meggan Connors is a wife, mother, teacher and award-winning author who writes primarily historical and steampunk romances. As a history buff with a love of all things historical, she enjoys visiting both major and obscure museums, and reading the histories of the Old West and the British Isles. She makes her home in the Wild West with her lawman husband, two children, and a menagerie of pets. When she's not writing, she can usually be found hiking in the mountains, playing in the snow, or with her nose in a book. Favorite vacation destinations include the sun-kissed hills of California, any place with a castle or a ghost (and both is perfect!), and the windswept Oregon coast.

Links: Website: www.megganconnors.com

Twitter: @megganconnors

http://www.amazon.com/Jessies-War-Civil-Steam-ebook/dp/B00BWACFE6/ref=la_B00AVGKU4O_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1364249478&sr=1-3

Fatal Intent by Ryshia Kennie - Virtual tour and giveaway

Today we're talking to Ryshia Kennie on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the romantic supsense, "Fatal Intent".  

At each stop, Ryshia will award one commenter an ebook copy of From the Dust, a historical romance set in Depression Era Saskatchewan. The grand prize for the tour will be an autographed copy of From the Dust, a book unique bookmark, and a Region 1 DVD of East of Borneo, a 1931 B&W movie, so comment here and follow her tour (click the above banner for a listing of her stops). The more you comment, the better your chance of winning!

Thanks to Ryshia for answering all my prying questions!

Why do you write in your genre? What draws you to it?

As a reader I read across a wide spectrum of genres but I love a story with a good romance best. So when I began writing, it was clear I’d write romance. My first novel was a historic romance which I followed with a paranormal romance. It was on a trip to Asia, where the mysteries of another culture and the history of a country’s troubled past had me imagining what if evil lurked here, now, beneath a tropical sky as seemingly benign as the woman twirling the umbrella she’s using as a sun shade. What if… And it was there that I discovered a love for setting characters in far-off places where danger shadows one shoulder and romance the other. Once I began, I was hooked.

What research is required?

My romantic suspense novels are usually set in a place where I’ve traveled, somewhere far away from the normal everyday of city life on the Canadian prairies. And it’s on that trip that the research begins. The research I did for Fatal Intent began with a trip to Borneo. I did as much research as I could on location. I also researched online and I read a few books on the history of headhunting, the tribes in Borneo and the geography of the area. I’m currently doing edits on a book set in Cambodia. The research for that book was very similar to Fatal Intent, in that I began with a trip to Cambodia and then followed up, verifying facts with online sites and book research, at one of my favourite haunts – the library, once I got home. Name one thing you learned from your hero/heroine.

From Aidan I learned how to have a quiet inner peace and belief in yourself that doesn’t need to be proved to anyone. He is who he is and you can accept him or not and he doesn’t much care one way or another which you choose. I think that’s a lot of his charm.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I keep a good luck charm or two on my desk. I have a little bronze Buddha that reminds me to take a breath, remain calm and hang in – everything will work out. And in case the little Buddha isn’t enough I have a rock from Mount Vesuvius that a friend brought back from a trip to Italy. The rock isn’t a big piece of that powerful volcano but it reminds me that while it might be small, the volcanic blast of its origins was mighty – keep writing.

Are you a plotter or pantser?

I began life as a pantser and I suppose I’ll always lean that way as I think that’s more personality than anything. But I’ve learned to plot, at least to the point where I’ll write a synopsis and think things through more before beginning, even outlining the first chapters. That tends to save time in rewrites. Although I have yet to have a synopsis that didn’t have to be changed at the end.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there?

To my right there is a dog bed that I discovered in an Arizona Costco. I’d say to my right is my dog but the bed turned out to be much bigger than it looked in the store and the first thing I see is it. To get it here it was hauled all the way across five states and one province, read “big hassle”. However, it is now one of my Irish Terrier’s favourite places. If I look a little further right, passed the sofa-like arm of the thing, I can see that he’s just stretching out as I type this, into a more comfortable position. I can’t imagine that any position might not be comfortable, besides being over-sized, the thing has memory foam. Whoever hear of a dog bed with memory foam?

Anything new coming up from you? What?

My next book will be published this summer and I’m currently working on final edits. It’s a romantic suspense set in Cambodia. I particularly love this story. Some of the secondary characters can be brutal but unique enough that it was fun getting into their slightly twisted heads. And of course, Simon and Claire, the hero and heroine, I loved writing their love story while reliving the mysterious beauty of Cambodia….

In the shadow of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, evil lurks. Innocent women have already died and journalist, Claire Linton is now targeted. The story of her career is about to turn deadly. She hopes for answers when she meets Interpol agent, Simon Trent. Instead, he’s frustrating and secretive and turns up so often, it’s clear he’s following her. And as kisses ignite beneath the golden streaks of a Cambodian sunset and passion begins to ramp up, a decades old plot for revenge unfolds. But with trust at a premium and lives at stake – has love been outplayed?

Do you have a question for our readers?

What would you like to see in a romantic suspense that you haven’t seen so far?

In the heart of the jungle lies more than just the hint of death.

Leading a scientific excursion into the Borneo rain forest is a life long dream for entomologist, Garrett Cole. But when her guide turns up dead and headless, her abilities are tested. As the dense foliage pushes her team further from the river, they are lost. Every shimmer of sound is a threat, and when a blonde haired, half-naked giant emerges from nowhere, she wants to run. But there are no options – she needs help.

Raised in the lush cradle of the Borneo jungle, Aidan is as unconventional as the fact that he has no last name. While the city is home, he returns to the jungle for peace and solitude. As a PI, how can he ignore the mystery this group and their dead guide poses? Leading them in a convoluted trek in a bid for answers he soon finds himself in a clash of wills with their alluring leader and answers that slide dangerously close to the tribe he loves.

In the jungle’s torrid heat they find unexpected solace in each others arms. But faced with death and betrayal, in a battle of wits that puts lives on the edge, can anyone be trusted?

She saw him floating headless through a mist of tears.

Even the river’s roar was not enough to mask her scream, as overhead the Borneo midday sun skidded a brilliant reflection across the river’s surface.

Garrett clapped her hand over her mouth and squinted against the bright sun. As if that would shift reality or change the fact that all that stood between Malcolm and anonymity was the San Diego Chargers logo on his torn, water-soaked T-shirt. Instead, tears washed her vision.

Malcolm’s smiling face—his smiling, missing face. She choked and her foot slipped, bringing her dangerously close to the riverbank, and the body.

Brush crackled and something screeched, the sound harsh and loud in a place where there was never silence. It would have sent chills through the uninitiated but it was only an insect, an oversize bug—an insect that might not be classified, identified. There were so many and that was what brought her here. But now her guide was dead, headless. That thought alone was preposterous even when the evidence lay in front of her. She wanted to weep. She wanted to run. But it was up to her to get her team out of here. She needed another focus before panic clouded everything.

Ryshia Kennie is the author of two published romances. From the Dust, is a romance set during the Great Depression. Her second book, Ring of Desire, was set against a backdrop of magic and mystery, in medieval England. An award winning author, her recent novels now focus on suspense and women’s fiction – always with a hint or even a dollop, of romance. The Canadian prairies are home where she lives with her husband and one opinionated Irish Terrier.

Visit her website at http://www.ryshiakennie.com.

Author blog: ryshia.blogspot.com

Author on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ryshia.kennie

Author on Twitter: twitter.com/ryshia

Author at Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/1400598.Ryshia_Kennie

Dragon's Pearl by CL Exline - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. C.L. will be awarding an eBook of the first book in the series, Amber's Mysterious Death, plus a $10 GC for Wild Child Publishing to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Pearls fell like raindrops from the sky while the dragons fought. Silvery fingers of mist cast eerie shadows upon the ocean waves as the struggle raged overhead. Three beings watched the battle, until they noticed blood on the full moon. Someone would die. They clasped hands and chanted. Blood on the moon signifies death for some unlucky victim, and someone is gunning for Sheryl. Now, Sheryl and her cohorts must solve the mystery of the haunted music box and a ghost before the killer gets his prey.

Enjoy an excerpt:

When Sheryl's best friend insists there is a ghost haunting Bridgeside, her soon to be open Bed & Breakfast, Sheryl decides to spend the night to prove Amber wrong.

In no time, Sheryl was snuggled under the covers. The bed felt wonderful, the house was quiet, and soon she dreamed of dragons. The tinny sound of music woke her. Sheryl sat up and rubbed her eyes. The music box was open and it was playing. She closed the lid, went to the doorway, and stepped into the hall. Humming reached her from downstairs. Sheryl hurried to the stairs and saw a woman wearing a flowing gray ruffly dress walking across the foyer, past the staircase, and toward the blue room.

“Brian! Brian! Wake up!” Keeping her hand firm on the banister and her eyes glued on the woman, Sheryl hurried down the steps. “Brian!” With both hands on the sides of the doorway, she leaned in and called out, “Brian!”

He bolted up. His arms and legs were entangled in the blankets. He struggled to get free and fell to the floor.

“Get up, Brian. She's in here.” Sheryl glanced around but saw no one and flipped on the top light for a better look.

Amber's screams cut through Sheryl like a knife. She whirled around and raced up the steps. An unconscious Amber lay on the floor. “Brian! Hurry!” Sheryl knelt down and patted Amber's face. “Wake up, Amber.”

The sound of screechy music caught Sheryl's attention. The music box. Torn between wanting to investigate and knowing she should remain, she yelled, “Brian!”

Heavy footsteps heralded Brian's arrival. “I'm here. What is it?”

“Watch Amber.” Sheryl jumped to her feet and hurried into the red bedroom. The lid she'd shut moments earlier was open. The gold cylinder churned out a chilling tune. She glanced around the empty room before closing the lid. She'd barely reached the doorway when the lid flipped open and once more the music played. Her breath caught. She stared at the music box.

 

Author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense, sometimes with sizzle and always with a dash of humor. Work for a small town newspaper along the east coast. Creator of Sheryl Locke Holmes Mystery Series published at Wild Child Publishing: Amber's Mysterious Death, Ruby's Deadly Secret, Opal’s Disappearance, and the newest release as of Feb. 19 – Dragon’s Pearl. Several short stories published at Ruthie's Club, The Erotic Woman, Erotic Bookworm, and Justus Roux. Has reviewed over a thousand stories for other authors.

Blog: http://cassieexline.blogspot.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cassie.exline Twitter: @CassieExline

Buy Link:

http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/mystery-c-83/sheryl-locke-holmes-mysteries-book-4-dragons-pearl-p-413.html

Reconstructing Jackson by Holly Bush - Review tour and giveaway

(Full length historical romance)

This review is done in conjunction with the author's virtual tour with Goddess Fish Promotions.

R. T. will be awarding a $25 GC to either Amazon or Barnes & Noble, winner's choice, to the winner of the Rafflecopter drawing, so comment today AND follow the tour (if you click on the tour banner above, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops) -- the more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win an awesome prize!



1867 . . . Southern lawyer and Civil War veteran, Reed Jackson, returns to his family’s plantation in a wheelchair. His father deems him unfit, and deeds the Jackson holdings, including his intended bride, to a younger brother. Angry and bitter, Reed moves west to Fenton, Missouri, home to a cousin with a successful business, intending to start over.

Belle Richards, a dirt poor farm girl aching to learn how to read, cleans, cooks and holds together her family’s meager property. A violent brother and a drunken father plot to marry her off, and gain a new horse in the bargain. But Belle’s got other plans, and risks her life to reach them.

Reed is captivated by Belle from their first meeting, but wheelchair bound, is unable to protect her from violence. Bleak times will challenge Reed and Belle's courage and dreams as they forge a new beginning from the ashes of war and ignorance.



Though it starts a bit slow, Reconstructing Jackson makes it worth pushing through to find a truly heartwarming story set in the times immediately following the American Civil War. With a hero who's a crippled confederate soldier forced to face the reality of losing his inheritance (a southern plantation) and his fiancee to his non-crippled, younger brother and learning how to function in a post-war world we're plunged into a time when women were chattel, and former slaves had to fight for every single right they were given when emancipated. Seems most folks don't much care what the law says: once a slave, always a slave.

Author Holly Bush doesn't pull many punches with this book. There are such dark times, and heart-rending occurrences. She lets us see into the American past, both the good and the bad, and paints a picture with her words. Truthfully, had I not accepted this book for review, I might not have continued reading, as the hero was not very heroic at the start, and I struggled with watching how our poor heroine was trapped with an abusive family and treated worse than the furniture by her oldest brother and continually drunk father.

But I did continue, and discovered a deeply moving story filled with hope and tragedy, with good and evil and occasionally shades of gray. All-in-all a very good read and one I'm so pleased I was allowed to enjoy. The love between our protagonists was deep and unconditional, and it led them both from a difficult, dark place. How Belle developed such a strong will when she'd been raised as she had been, I have no idea, but she was absolutely perfect for Reed.

Reconstructing Jackson is a book that made me angry, sad, amazed at the resilience of the human spirit and eventually made my heart smile. Recommended.

4 Flowers - This was a very good book! I'd recommend it to my friends



Reed awoke from a troublesome sleep that night to crying and moaning outside of his window. There was no moon and Reed could not see the source of the noise, but heard movement in the hallway. He pulled pants on and lowered himself into his chair as he wiped the night from his face. On the porch, Reed heard Beulah’s voice, low and comforting in the still air. “Miss Beulah,” he whispered.

“Go back to bed, Mr. Jackson.”

Reed heard a moan and Beulah’s pleas to someone. “What is it?” he asked.

Beulah rose from the walk and Reed saw her eyes, angry, through the spindles of the porch. “None of your concern.”

“For God’s sakes, woman, tell me who cries so piteously.” Reed realized the moaning had stopped.

Beulah looked down and back to Reed. “She needs no more of your help, Mr. Jackson.”

Reed froze and the blood drained from his face. He wheeled down the ramp and to where Beulah held Belle Richards in her arms. “What happened?” he asked.

“I don’t know. She fainted or . . . died before she could she say.”

A lump of terror balled in his throat for a woman he barely knew. He forced words from his mouth. “Check her pulse.”

“Faint. But there.”

“Then hurry, Beulah,” Reed rushed on. “Can you lift her?”

“I was a slave, Mr. Jackson. I carried baled cotton on my back . . .”

“Enough with the lecture on the evils of slavery. She may die as we speak,” Reed hissed.

Holly Bush was born in western Pennsylvania to two avid readers. There was not a room in her home that did not hold a full bookcase. She worked in the hospitality industry, owning a restaurant for twenty years and recently worked as the sales and marketing director in the hospitality/tourism industry and is credited with building traffic to capacity for a local farm tour, bringing guests from twenty-two states, booked two years out. Holly has been a marketing consultant to start-up businesses and has done public speaking on the subject.

Holly has been writing all of her life and is a voracious reader of a wide variety of fiction and non-fiction, particularly political and historical works. She has written four romance novels, all set in the U.S. West in the mid 1800’s. She frequently attends writing conferences, and has always been a member of a writer’s group.

Holly is a gardener, a news junkie, has been an active member of her local library board and loves to spend time near the ocean. She is the proud mother of two daughters and the wife of a man more than a few years her junior.

www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-Jackson-ebook/dp/B009LMKGUW/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1360535974&sr=1-1&keywords=holly+bush

www.hollybushbooks.com

@hollybushbooks

www.facebook.com/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

A Witch Without Magic by Larisa Walk - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway

Today we're spotlighting Larisa Walk on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for her paranormal fantasy, "A Witch Without Magic".

Larisa will be awarding a $10 Amazon Gift Certificate to five randomly drawn commenters during the tour, so comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner at the top, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a prize!

When her neighbors accuse Belladonna of Satanism and making them age years to days, she must find who is behind it or face a modern day witch hunt. Her mysterious enemy knows where to strike to cause the most damage: Belladonna's only friend is losing his life-force; the garden that feeds her is dying; and her house ghost goes poltergeist. To save her neighbors and friends and prove her innocence, she must travel to the Otherworld where butterflies have razor wings and where her worst fears will come to life.

I tried to walk with an official swing in my step, clipboard under my right arm, the other arm at my side, desperately trying not to clutch at the fabric of my jumpsuit with a death grip. Mice and rats darted in and out of bushes. A large flock of crows cawed in the trees. In one spot ants covered the sidewalk like spilled black pepper. Dark magic was afoot and the vermin were drawn to it.

There were some kids with aged faces playing on the other side of the street. I tried not to stare at them. One kid, a boy of about seven, judging by his height, actually looked like he was in his eighties. He seemed to have trouble breathing and had to stop often to rest. My jaws ached and a sharp spike seemed to be embedded in my chest. Goddess help me, but I couldn't blame their parents for hating me. If I were in their place and thought I knew who was doing this to my kids, I'd go on a witch hunt, too. I was lucky the cops didn't believe my neighbors that I was doing this awful life-draining stuff to them or I wouldn't have any protection. I prayed hard that I'd find a way to stop the dark witch before anyone died from being too old at the age of seven.

Larisa Walk, a native Russian, lives in California with her husband and two formerly homeless cats. She writes paranormal fiction that is more often than not populated by characters from the Russian fairy world. Her short fiction appeared in several anthologies and magazines. She has published a historic fantasy novel, A Handful of Earth, and a modern paranormal novel, A Witch Without Magic. See her quirky blog posts here: http://www.larisawalk.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/A-Witch-Without-Magic-ebook/dp/B009JGYOQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363219858&sr=8-1&keywords=a+witch+without+magic+larisa+walk

Twinned Universes by Sandra Ulbrich Almazan - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're spotlighting author Sandra Ulbrich Almazan on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for "Twinned Universes".

Sandra will award one randomly chosen commenter the choice of a $50 Amazon gift card or a gift pack of all of the following items related to Twinned Unniverses: two Shakespeare mugs, a Sears tower pendant, a book by Carl Sagan (Pale Blue Dot: A Vision of the Human Future in Space), and a signed copy of the first book in the series, Lyon's Legacy. So comment today AND follow her tour (if you click on the banner at the top, it'll take you to a list of her tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a prize!

Paul Harrison always wanted to play Hamlet, but he never expected he’d live the role first.

In the aftermath of a family tragedy on 21st century Earth, Paul discovers he’s the clone of Sean Lyon, his great-great-grandfather and a famous TwenCen musician. Suspecting his mother’s death was no accident, Paul comes up with a plan to trick the answers out of the great-uncle who had him cloned. But in order to make his plan work, Paul needs help from Sean himself—and Sean’s time is running out in the TwenCen universe next door. Although Paul’s family lives on the spaceship that travels between the universes, he’s never been allowed on TwenCen Earth. Now, with the help of his friends, his disguise-creating holoprojectors, and a quantum quirk, Paul must make his way to Sean while evading other time travelers who fear he’ll change the history of the TwenCen universe. If Paul is to achieve justice, he must not only risk his own life, but the wormhole connecting the universes. “To be or not to be” was a simple question in comparison....

Paul didn’t care what Dad thought; Great-Uncle Jack was the most promising suspect. He hated Mom, so he’d have no problem getting rid of her, especially if it made Paul more like Sean. How could Dad expect him to forget about the matter when it was his own fault? How could he expect Paul to do nothing? He’d be eighteen in a couple more months, old enough to handle responsibility. Maybe he would be useless with the genetic research, but there had to be something he could do. But what?

All I’m good at is acting, and that doesn’t matter out here. It’s no help being in space when Great-Uncle Jack is back on Earth. Paul broke down the cardboard boxes for composting. But maybe when I get back….

Hamlet had staged a reenactment of his father’s death to gauge his uncle’s guilt by his reaction. Perhaps Paul could do something similar. For a moment he pictured himself playing his own mother, accusing her uncle. The image made Paul smile, but he was too tall to play her convincingly. There was only one role he could manage, the most dangerous one.

If Paul proclaimed on returning to Earth that he was willing to become a Sean impersonator, Great-Uncle Jack would be so ecstatic he might let his guard slip. If he wanted Paul to write songs, he’d write one about his mother and play it for the world. Perhaps that would make Great-Uncle Jack confess. All Paul had to do was learn a role he could get trapped in.

Sandra Ulbrich Almazan started reading at the age of three and only stops when absolutely required to. Although she hasn’t been writing quite that long, she did compose a very simple play in German during middle school. Her science fiction novella Move Over Ms. L. (an early version of Lyon’s Legacy) earned an Honorable Mention in the 2001 UPC Science Fiction Awards, and her short story “A Reptile at the Reunion” was published in the anthology Firestorm of Dragons. She is a founding member of BroadUniverse and a long-time member of the Online Writing Workshop for Fantasy, Science Fiction, and Horror. Her undergraduate degree is in molecular biology/English, and she has a Master of Technical and Scientific Communication degree. Her current day job is in the laboratory of an enzyme company; she’s also been a technical writer and a part-time copyeditor for a local newspaper. Some of her other accomplishments are losing on Jeopardy! and taking a stuffed orca to three continents. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband, Eugene; and son, Alex. In her rare moments of free time, she enjoys crocheting, listening to classic rock (particularly the Beatles), and watching improv comedy.

Sandra can be found online at her website, blog, Twitter, and Facebook. Upcoming projects from Sandra include a standalone fantasy story called “The Fighting Roses of Sharon”; Twinned Universes, the second book in the science fiction Catalyst Chronicles series; and Scattered Seasons, the first book in the fantasy Season Lords series.

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Twinned-Universes-Catalyst-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00BO9GIHU/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1362864991&sr=1-1&keywords=twinned+universes

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/twinned-universes-sandra-ulbrich-almazan/1114756241?ean=2940016176840

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/291642

Wolf Sirens Series by Tina Smith - Virtual Tour and Giveaway

Today we're talking to Tina Smith on her tour with Goddess Fish Promotions for the paranormal romance series, "Wolf Sirens".

Tina will be awarding jewelry in theme of her books (wolf charms, charm bracelets etc), 3D book marks in shifter themes (Wolves, tigers, panthers etc) and Sun catchers (beaded glass and crystal) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour (this is an international giveaway), so comment today AND follow this tour (if you click on the banner above, it'll take you to a list of tour stops)! The more you read and comment, the better your odds of winning. You could be introduced to a great new author AND win a really cool prize!

Thanks to Tina for answering all my prying questions!

Why do you write in your genre?

What draws you to it? I write paranormal because it is limited only by your imagination, readers of all ages enjoy it and there’s a part of all of us that wishes we could do magical or amazing things. I like to add some attitude and realism too.

What world-building is required?

I researched Artemis and Greek myths, but that was it. The rest of Wolf Sirens is based on my life and experiences and my childhood haunt of the Bega Valley New South Wales, on the far south coast of Australia. I am also inspired by Jim Henson’s work like Storyteller.

Name one thing you learned from your heroine. 

Lila is my doppleganger, so I learnt from her what I learnt in my own life – that we don’t always chose where our heart will lead us and sometimes we do the unexpected because destiny has a different path for us than our family and friends have expected. We have to figure out who we truly are and not be afraid of it, despite outside criticism and influence. Tread your own path.

Do you have any odd or interesting writing quirks, habits or superstitions?

I don’t know? I am messy. I have a note book I constantly jot ideas down in. I love inventing names and collecting words. I like to be melodramatic and random for a good laugh. Meeeeow. (laughs).

Are you a plotter or pantser? 

Probably a pantser, though now I have to Google the phrase. Oh okay – Yes I fly by the seat of my pants – all the way and back. I’m a rebel. I don’t like routine, it’s boring.

Look to your right – what’s sitting there? 

My dog Billey, and closer is a Buddha head lamp, a gift from my critique partner. On my left is a mountain of paper, manuscripts, notes, a copy of A New Earth? And bill for car registration – that reminds me, I better pay it.

Anything new coming up from you? What? 

More books in the series. I am working on Night Fall, Wolf Sirens 3 (WS3), and have started Wolf Sirens 4 (WS4). There will be six in the series. So stay tuned for more romance and intrigue, betrayal and wolf slaying. More on the intimate lives of the pack and some sexual tension, what can I say, I like the gritty stuff.

Do you have a question for our readers? 

Do you like books with a lot of description/character description or very little - and why? (Be candid and honest in your answer).

Eternally Cursed to Love & Not Purely Desire…

Temperatures rise as the flames of longing still burn in the thrilling sequel to Wolf Sirens Forbidden. The legend continues. Apollo, god of deadly plague, conspires to undo his sister’s legacy. The wolves exist between two worlds, one in the town another in the forest.

Prophecy says hunters and wolves are cursed to a mutual attraction. Increasingly, each successive slayer becomes more alluring to the wolf. The predestined enemies struggle, to both resist and contain their fierce rival in a conflict powerful enough to tear two worlds apart.

A shadow has fallen over the heart lands of myth and reality. The chosen is reborn broken-hearted, in the scorching embers of grief. Devastated, Lila trains tirelessly as the assassin. She must submit to deliver justice and protect the innocent of Shade.

But is it love or revenge which motivates her?

Will the huntress or her heart prevail? Breaking away from the call of destiny and fearing betrayal, Lila makes a desperate escape in search of her lost beloved. The intensity between two ancient enemies ignites. The history of the wolf pack is revealed as devotion and desire in the underworld reaches fever pitch.

If The Bite Doesn't Get You, Then the Fever Will

The sun shone in the windows downstairs. Clean skinned, I descended the staircase in the silence, dressed in my grass-stained, ripped, thinning jeans and a clean singlet top, my dark hair soaking the material. The air was warm, it was late summer. The sounds of birds singing and fluttering in the birch and sycamore trees outside the kitchen screen door told of a fine day. Buds bloomed on the purple Agapanthus. I opened the fridge and made breakfast, surrendering to the hunger in my deprived stomach. I needed to keep my strength up.

Chewing my cereal with little appetite, I could feel that my nose had dried up; the sharp pain in my throat had subsided completely. The horrible dread, though, dragged through me still like the hands of death raking down my skin. The nightmare feeling of reality was worse than a dream, torturing me. I had to localize this feeling… and then I caught her scent.

When I turned around in the kitchen, Cresida was there. I had smelt her shiny olive skin. I knew I had waited for this opportunity.

“Teach me…everything,” I said dully, turning back to the sink.

“You look better,” she commented. Apprehension kissed her tone. I wasn’t to be trusted anymore - hence the missing bullets.

I turned again and stared at her, my lip curled. I knew what she meant. My skin was pale and glowing and the ghostly grey was gone from under my eyes, which glistened a clear green/blue hue. A stranger’s face had looked back at me from the bathroom mirror this morning, with pale smooth, luminescent skin. I had awoken as her or had she awoken as me? Any evidence of pain and sorrow was not apparent from the outside. I now donned the huntress’s shell. My hands were her hands now. She had become me.

Tina Smith is an herbalist, dog lover, Piscean and mother with a fondness for strong female protagonists. A love of the fantasy genre and the deep exploration of dark and evocative subjects inspired Wolf Sirens Forbidden. The sequel Fever further unfolds the tale of the heroine femme fatal, on her journey in the underworld between the lands of myth and reality.

“Rich, complex, and deeply fascinating. Smith’s creation stands apart from other books in the genre. Wolf Sirens has raised the bar for paranormal romance.”- Kevis Hendrickson, author of Rogue Hunter

"Smith weaves a thrilling and beautifully crafted tale that sinks its fangs in and refuses to let go."- Michael Alexander, author of The Vessel

“Fever does not disappoint! Tina Smith captures her readers on the first page and leads them on a fast-paced journey full of suspense and adventure as heroine, Lila, struggles towards the truth.” - Beverley Eikli, author of A Little Deception

Ebook Wolf Sirens Forbidden. Discover the Legend.By Tina Smith.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009GG06AS

http://www.amazon.com/Sirens-Forbidden-Discover-Legend-ebook/dp/B009GG06AS/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1354969345&sr=8-2&keywords=wolf+sirens%3Aforbidden

http://www.goodreads.com/TinaSmith

Like me on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/wolfsirens.

The sequel Wolf Sirens Fever. Many are Born, Few are Reborn. By Tina Smith.

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16120233-wolf-sirens-fever-many-are-born-few-are-reborn

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/248222

http://www.amazon.com/Wolf-Sirens-Fever-Reborn-ebook/dp/B009Z9EDQ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352189289&sr=1-1&keywords=wolf+sirens+fever

Youtube Videos

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